Dolly Parton’s Sister Freida Urges Fans To Pray Amid The Star’s Health Challenges

Dolly Parton has been struggling with her health in recent weeks, and her sister, Freida, asked fans to keep her in their prayers after she was “up all night” praying for her. (Photo Credits: Terry Wyatt / WireImage / Getty Images & Galella / Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

What Is Wrong With Dolly Parton’s Health?

Dolly Parton‘s younger sister, Freida, is urging people to pray for the singer as she deals with some health issues.

Dolly planned to attend an event at Dollywood on September 17 to announce the park’s upcoming attraction, NightFlight Expedition. But she was forced to back out at the last minute.

She sent in a video apologizing for her absence and explained that she couldn’t attend because she had developed a kidney stone.

“I had a little problem,” she said. “I had a kidney stone that was causing me a lot of problem[s], [and it] turned out giving me an infection. And the doctor said, ‘You don’t need to be traveling right this minute, so you need a few days to get better.’ So he suggested I not go to Dollywood today.“

Then, on September 28, Dolly announced she would have to postpone her sold-out Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The limited run included six shows, all originally scheduled for December.

Dolly cited her health as the reason for the postponements, writing:

“I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts. As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures. As I joked with them, it must be time for my hundred thousand mile checkup, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!“

Dolly wanted to ease her fans’ worries, telling them, “And don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet. But I believe He is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you.”

After this announcement, it was confirmed that Dolly will not be able to attend the Governors Awards in November. She will be honored during the ceremony as the recipient of the Jean Herscholt Humanitarian Award.

However, her rep clarified that her inability to attend the ceremony is unrelated to her health challenges. In June, Dolly informed the team behind the program that she would be unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.

Dolly Parton’s Younger Sister Asks Fans To Pray For Her

After Dolly shared the news about her health struggles, she earned lots of well-wishes from her fans and fellow artists. She’s also receiving private and public support from her siblings and other family members.

Dolly is one of 12 children born to her parents Avie Lee and Robert Parton. Seven of her 11 siblings are still living, including her little sister, Freida.

Freida and her twin brother, Floyd, were born on June 1, 1957. Floyd and Dolly co-wrote her chart-topping hit “Nickels and Dimes,” and he wrote “Rockin’ Years,” Dolly’s #1 duet with Ricky Van Shelton. Floyd sadly passed away in 2018.

Freida also pursued a musical career, but not in the country genre. She sang in a punk rock band. Still, you can sometimes hear Freida singing backing vocals on Dolly’s songs.

Dolly Parton with her sisters Stella and Freida (closest to Dolly) during a recording session in 1981. (Photo Credit: Galella / Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
On Tuesday (October 7), Freida shared an emotional Facebook post about her older sister’s health struggles. She said she had been “up all night” praying for Dolly the previous evening.

Freida urged fans to pray for Dolly too, writing:

“Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly. Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately. I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been lead [sic] to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me.”

Freida ended her message by writing, “She’s strong, she’s loved, and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine. Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!“

You can see Freida’s post about Dolly’s health below. Of course, we join her in sending our love and prayers to Dolly now and always.

Dolly Parton’s younger sister, Freida, shared this message on Facebook asking fans to keep her in their prayers. (Photo Credit: Freida Parton / Facebook)
Later on October 7, Freida shared another post to clarify her previous comments. She said:

“I want to clear something up. I didn’t mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly. She’s been a little under the weather, and I simply asked for prayers because I believe so strongly in the power of prayer. It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister.”

Freida ended her post by writing, “Thank you all for lifting her up. Your love truly makes a difference.”

Later, on October 7, Freida Parton shared this post to clarify her prior post about Dolly. (Photo Credit: Freida Parton / Facebook)